John Barofsky launches campaign for Ward 3

from Anne Marie Levis

Longtime Eugene resident and community volunteer John Barofsky has kicked off his campaign to represent Ward 3 on the Eugene City Council. Barofsky, also known as Gianni of Beppe & Gianni’s Trattoria, has lived and worked in the neighborhood since 2003 and has a deep record of public service.

Barofsky currently serves as an elected EWEB Commissioner representing Wards 2 and 3 and has been on the Fairmount Neighbors board for 23 years.

Previously he has served on the Eugene Budget Committee, the Eugene Planning Commission and numerous oversight and advisory committees focused on street repair, community safety, affordable housing, and more.

“Each of my volunteer roles has taught me a lot about how our community works and doesn’t work,” Barofsky said. “Eugene is a great place to live. That’s why I’m here and I think that goes for many of us in Ward 3. But we have our challenges. We can be even better and I have the experience to move us forward.”

Barofsky’s priorities are housing stability and affordability, fiscal responsibility, and public safety and quality of life. “Unquestionably the top concern I hear about is housing affordability and that the cost to buy or even rent a home here is out of reach for far too many,” Barofsky said. “I want to continue to work on that but I’m also eager to get to work to help Ward 3 residents with lower-profile issues that nevertheless affect our quality of life – things like parking, traffic and party noise.”

Barofsky also wants to bring his experience as a small business owner and on the Eugene Budget Committee to bear to help the city grapple with its structural budget deficit.

A lifelong Democrat, Barofsky has been endorsed by Congresswoman Val Hoyle, former Congressman Peter DeFazio, Mayor Kaarin Knudson, and dozens more; see www.johnforeugene.com. (While city council races are nonpartisan, party affiliation is often relevant to voters.)

“My motivation for public service has always been giving back to the community that has afforded my family and staff the ability to thrive,” Barofsky said. “I’m a public servant, not a politician, but I chose to run for this office so that I can be of greater service. And let’s face it – these aren’t normal times. We’re seeing attacks on our rights and our system of government that we never dreamed possible. Now is the time for our elected leaders to step up and stand up for our community. That’s what I will do as your Eugene city councilor.”